Social Networking

                With its recent explosion in popularity, social networking sites have changed the way people communicate. The benefits of websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are numerous, as they bring together people from all over the world with just the click of a button. Realizing the potential advantages that new technologies such as these offer, many companies both big and small have begun incorporating them into their corporate strategies. For instance, various companies have setup Facebook accounts for their products and brands. In doing so, they have the opportunity to obtain a larger following, create brand awareness, offer discounts, and even promote their values and long-term goals.  

In comparison, many employers and employees have also registered with social networking sites such as LinkedIn, which is sometimes referred to as the corporate Facebook. Here, members can post their employment history, experiences, and job credentials. Frank Langfitt, discussed the numerous benefits LinkedIn has offered since its inception, in his article “Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting.” According to Langfitt, by using new technologies such as LinkedIn, recruiters can quickly and easily find matches for job openings and vacancies. The site also allows users to build a comprehensive network and connect with people from around the world. Recruiter Maureen Crawford-Hentz even stated “Social networking technology is absolutely the best thing to happen to recruiting – ever.” 

The benefits social networking has had on society are numerous. Aside from the advantages gained from the corporate world, new technologies have also brought people closer together and created virtual communities, where people can share interests, ideas, experiences, and thoughts. Even online dating has become common practice, thanks to websites like  e-harmony. Of course though, just like everything else, social networking also has its downsides. In her article “Antisocial Networking,” Hillary Stout discusses the downside Facebook and cell phones have had on children. She reported that teenagers spend more time talking to their friends through a technological medium, than they actually do face-to-face. She and many psychologists have begun to worry about “whether technology may be changing the very nature of kids’ friendships.” They fear that the quality of interactions among children is becoming diminished and contains less intimacy and emotion as a result. Other pitfalls of social networking include privacy issues and social repercussions as well, such as cyber-bulling and sexually explicit messages. 

It is clear, that social networking is here to stay, but like all technologies, will constantly change and evolve over time. For instance, perhaps sites such as Facebook and Twitter will incorporate more intimate means of communication into their websites through the use of webcams and other devices. I also believe that in the future, social networking sites will provide a one place stop-and-shop location to find whatever you are looking for, whether it be a product, service, idea, or relationship. I would imagine it being a combination of Facebook, Skype, Craigslist, and e-bay all in one website, but until then we will just have to wait and see.